Matthew,
To a large extent I agree with what you have said. Despite the significant level of consensus which has developed around the 'green growth' concept (the Stern Review being just one recent example), there are robust arguments which undermine the possibility of any kind of growth. On this basis the comment about quality rather than quantity is quite correct. However, what remains is a question of agency. How do we 'evolve' to a sustainable society? Evolution reflects a move forwards. Unfortunately, it is part of the cold reality of a green society that in some respects human beings must accept some regressive developments if we are to meet our needs without preventing future generations from meeting theirs (assuming that humanity can reach a consensus on what the 'needs' actually are). Hard decisions would be required especially in terms of political organisation, a change to the prevailing economic model not to mention the social aspects, afterall the world population is an obvious form of growth which would need to be curtailed in a truly sustainable society.
In the meantime, perhaps the 'green growth' agenda, whilst not perfect, does offer the first step to sustainable evolution and should therefore not be completely discounted?
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